Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles: Easy Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles — yes, that magical combination of comfort food and convenience that makes busy weeknights just a little bit better. Imagine this: tender chicken, savory soy broth, earthy mushrooms, and that irresistible slurp-worthy ramen goodness — all simmering away in your crockpot while you go about your day.

This Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles recipe is not only easy but absolutely crammed with flavor. Whether you’re juggling work, errands, or just need dinner to practically make itself, this cozy bowl will quickly become your go-to meal for those “I can’t deal with dinner” days.

Table of Contents

What is Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles?

At its heart, Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles is the definition of fuss-free comfort. Think of it as your favorite takeout ramen — but without the extra sodium, mystery ingredients, or waiting for delivery. It’s made by slow-cooking chicken breasts, garlic, onions, soy sauce, and broth until the flavors mingle and deepen into something soul-warming.

Then, ramen noodles are stirred in just before serving, soaking up all that umami goodness. It’s cozy, homemade, and packed with everything you love about a good noodle soup — warmth, depth, and satisfaction. The beauty? It’s a “set it and forget it” kind of dish, making it perfect for busy families or anyone who loves hearty yet healthy meals.

Reasons to Try Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles

There are a few great reasons you’ll fall in love with Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles. First, it’s practically foolproof — if you can toss ingredients in a pot and press a button, you’re golden. Second, it’s budget-friendly and customizable. Have leftover veggies, tofu, or an extra egg? Toss it in. Want to go spicy? Add chili flakes or sriracha.

Third, it’s family-approved — even picky eaters love it because it’s mild, flavorful, and full of texture. And let’s not forget: you’ll only wash one pot when you’re done. If you enjoy easy dinners like Easy Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie or Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken, this ramen recipe deserves a spot in your weeknight rotation.

Ingredients Needed to Make Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup seasoned rice vinegar
• ½ cup unsweetened soy or almond milk
• 1 (4 oz) package sliced mushrooms
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 (3 oz) packets ramen noodles (seasonings discarded)

Optional Toppings:
Soft boiled eggs, spinach, sesame oil drizzle, sesame seeds, crushed red pepper, sliced jalapeños, carrots, green onions, or chopped cilantro.

Instructions to Make Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles – Step by Step

Making Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles is surprisingly easy, but the secret lies in layering the flavors just right. Below, you’ll find a clear, engaging, and detailed Step by Step guide that walks you through every moment — from prepping the crockpot to that glorious first slurp. This recipe doesn’t demand perfection; it’s all about comfort and practicality. Ready to make dinner magic happen? Let’s do this Step by Step.

Step 1: Prep Your Crockpot and Ingredients

Let’s start Step by Step with the basics. First, grease your crockpot with a light coat of oil or non-stick spray. This small move saves you from scrubbing later (trust me, you’ll thank yourself after dinner). Next, grab all your ingredients — chicken breasts, onions, garlic, mushrooms, and seasonings — and lay them out. Having everything within reach makes cooking smoother, especially on those chaotic weeknights when you’re juggling work and homework help.

If you love quick-prep comfort dishes, you might also enjoy my Easy Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie — it uses the same “dump and cook” approach for effortless meals.

Step 2: Layer the Flavor Base

This Step by Step part is where your kitchen starts to smell amazing. Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of your slow cooker — they’ll absorb all the rich, savory notes as they cook. Then sprinkle in the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms. These ingredients are the backbone of your broth, giving it depth and aroma.

Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, followed by soy sauce and seasoned rice vinegar. That blend creates the salty, tangy, and umami foundation that makes ramen so addictive. To take it up a notch, whisk in your unsweetened soy or almond milk — it may sound unusual, but it adds a subtle creaminess that rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Looking for a deeper dive into flavor layering? Check out my Slow Cooker Tom Kha Gai, another broth-based favorite that balances tangy and creamy elements to perfection.

Step 3: Season and Set the Mood

Add the ground ginger and black pepper next — they’ll gently spice things up and balance the richness of the broth. Give everything a light stir to mix those seasonings through the liquid. This Step by Step moment is all about patience and anticipation, so now’s the time to take a deep breath and let your slow cooker work its magic.

Cover the crockpot, set it to LOW, and let it cook for about 3 hours. As it simmers, your house will start smelling like the coziest ramen shop in town. If you want to double down on meal prep, make a batch of Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles or Crockpot Kung Pao Chicken on the side for later in the week.

Step 4: Check the Chicken and Adjust the Heat

Once your timer hits the 3-hour mark, open the lid and use tongs to remove the chicken breasts. They should be tender and easy to shred. Set them on a cutting board to rest for a few minutes.

Now, turn your crockpot to HIGH — this quick temperature bump is the key to cooking the noodles perfectly in the next Step by Step stage. Before adding them in, give your broth a quick stir to make sure everything is evenly mixed.

Pro tip: if you like your broth extra rich, you can add a teaspoon of sesame oil here — it brings a subtle nuttiness that enhances the overall flavor. You can read more about cooking with sesame oil in my Paprika Chicken Soup recipe, which also uses it for an aromatic finish.

Step 5: Add the Ramen Noodles

Now comes the fun part — noodles! Break up your ramen noodle bricks slightly and drop them into the hot broth. Cover the crockpot again and let them cook on HIGH for about 5 minutes, or until they reach your desired texture.

Here’s an important Step by Step note: check them after 3 minutes to make sure they’re not getting too soft. Ramen noodles cook fast, and part of their charm is that chewy, slurpable texture. If you plan to store leftovers, you can even cook the noodles separately and add them to individual bowls later — this prevents them from soaking up all the broth.

Step 6: Slice the Chicken and Return It to the Broth

While your noodles finish cooking, thinly slice or shred the chicken you set aside earlier. By now, it should be juicy and easy to handle. Gently stir it back into the crockpot so it can soak up that flavorful broth again.

This Step by Step moment is when everything comes together — tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and that dreamy, savory broth. Taste the broth now and adjust your seasonings if needed. A splash more soy sauce can deepen the saltiness, or a squeeze of lime can brighten the flavors.

If you enjoy that bright, zesty flavor combo, you’ll love my Chicken and Vermicelli Soup with Lime, which shares a similar citrus kick.

Step 7: Add Toppings and Garnishes

Let’s be honest — this is where your ramen gets its personality. Now that everything’s hot and ready, it’s time to decorate your bowl. Add your favorite toppings: soft-boiled eggs for richness, spinach for freshness, or sliced jalapeños for a fiery punch. A drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds add that classic ramen flair.

This Step by Step stage is all about customization. You can make it spicy, veggie-packed, or mild — whatever fits your mood. And if you’re in the mood for another comfort-filled bowl, check out my Savory Asian Dumpling Soup, which pairs beautifully with ramen night.

Step 8: Serve and Savor the Comfort

Finally, it’s time to dig in. Ladle generous portions of noodles, broth, and chicken into deep bowls, making sure everyone gets a bit of everything. This last Step by Step part might be the easiest — sit down, grab your chopsticks or spoon, and enjoy every comforting bite.

The first spoonful is always the best — warm, flavorful, and downright soothing. Pair your Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles with a side of Easy Greek Lemon Rice or a light cucumber salad if you’re hosting a cozy dinner night.

And there you have it — your Step by Step guide to creating the most comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles right in your own kitchen. It’s hearty, customizable, and guaranteed to become one of your favorite weeknight meals.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles

This dish stands beautifully on its own, but if you’re in the mood for a full spread, serve it alongside crispy spring rolls, steamed edamame, or a light cucumber salad. For extra comfort, try pairing it with Paprika Chicken Soup or Slow Cooker Tom Kha Gai. The mild, savory broth of the ramen balances wonderfully with spicier or creamier side dishes.

Key Tips for Making Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles

• Don’t overcook the noodles. Add them right at the end to keep them from turning mushy.
• Use low-sodium broth if you want better control over salt levels.
• Make it your own. Add veggies like bok choy, carrots, or bell peppers for a colorful twist.
• Separate leftovers. Keep noodles apart from the broth if storing for later to prevent sogginess.
• Boost the protein. Add a boiled egg or even tofu for a heartier meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles

Store leftover ramen in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep the texture just right, store noodles and broth separately. When ready to reheat, warm the broth on the stovetop or microwave until hot, then add noodles just before serving. If you’ve frozen the broth (which keeps beautifully for up to 3 months), let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Pro tip: add a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring back that silky consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein? Absolutely. Try tofu, shrimp, or pork.
Can I make it vegetarian? Yes! Use veggie broth and swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms.
Can I cook it on high instead of low? Sure, about 1½ to 2 hours on high should do it.
How can I make it spicy? Add chili oil, sriracha, or fresh jalapeños for heat.
Can I meal prep it? Definitely — just keep noodles separate and combine when reheating.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles bring the joy of ramen right to your kitchen — without the fuss. It’s cozy, quick, and deeply satisfying, perfect for when you crave comfort but don’t have hours to cook. Every spoonful is packed with flavor and feels like a warm hug after a long day. For more easy slow cooker inspiration, check out Slow Cooker Cowboy Potato Casserole or Dump-and-Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken.

Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.

Print